Stricter Teen Driving Laws Now in Effect in Ohio

Ohio’s teen drivers under the age of 18 will face tighter restrictions went into effect on July 1, an Ohio insurance trade group reported.

According to the Ohio Insurance Institute, the new restrictions focus on limiting the number of passengers and the time of day that Ohio’s youngest drivers can be behind the wheel.

The following restrictions for all Ohio drivers under the age of 18 are:

No driving between midnight and 6 a.m., unless a parent or guardian accompanies the youthful driver. Those with valid documentation from work, school or church allowing for travel for activities between these hours are exempt.

No driving with more than one non-family member in the car

All passengers must wear safety belts at all times

Prohibits the use of mobile communication while driving

The rule change was brought on by the Ohio Department of Public Safety Drive Toward a Safer Ohio Initiative in an effort to increase the level of experience for the state’s youngest drivers.

According to 2012 report from AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety drivers under age 20 have higher rates of involvement in fatal crashes than drivers of any other age group except those age 80 and older.

The study finds that a 16- or 17-year-old’s fatality risk, per miles driven, increases 44 percent with another passenger under age 21 when there is no older passenger also in the car.

It increases 102 percent with two passengers under 21 and 339 percent when carrying three or more passengers under 21.